{"id":14451,"date":"2023-06-20T12:12:26","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T11:12:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/willows.uk.net\/?p=14451"},"modified":"2023-06-20T12:13:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T11:13:59","slug":"shot-cat-recovers-after-months-of-expert-care-at-willows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/79.170.43.200\/chameleontesting.co.uk\/willowsoldsite\/shot-cat-recovers-after-months-of-expert-care-at-willows\/","title":{"rendered":"SHOT CAT RECOVERS AFTER MONTHS OF EXPERT CARE AT WILLOWS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A pet cat who was left for dead after being shot has been given a new lease of life after months of expert multidisciplinary care here at Willows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one-year-old Russian Blue needed emergency surgery followed by an intensive programme of Physiotherapy<\/a> from our team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simone Anesi<\/a>, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery at Willows, admitted he was shocked by the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said: \u201cStanley had been shot with a pellet gun and this had caused a comminuted fracture of his left scapula (shoulder blade).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe had surgery to reconstruct his fractured scapula, which was challenging. Although many of the pellet fragments were removed there were many which had to be left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn ongoing concern was that Stanley could still not use his left foreleg four weeks after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Willows\u2019 Neurology team assessed Stanley to see if his poor progress was a consequence of severe neurological deficits but these were determined to be mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe concluded his poor function was most likely due to severe fibrosis around the scapula as a result of the original gunshot trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStanley was swiftly referred to Veterinary Physiotherapist Holly Finelli<\/a> and began a prolonged period of intensive rehabilitation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holly explained: \u201cStanley was readmitted to Willows as an inpatient for a full week purely to receive intensive Physiotherapy in order to try to avoid further surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe went through a series of Physiotherapy and laser treatments which worked really well and he made good progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe is now consistently using the leg well and is back to his usual self at home but with a slight limp, as his operated leg is now slightly shorter than the other due to his injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA mild lameness might persist but he\u2019s recovered well and his owners, and everyone here at Willows, are very pleased with the positive outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialist Simone championed Stanley\u2019s case as a classic example of how the multidisciplinary skills of our team often combine to ensure the best outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added: \u201cWhat is interesting about Stanley is that he was not recovering as expected until intense physio was started which highlights the need for multidisciplinary care for trauma patients.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stanley\u2019s owners, Zoe and Matt Breakwell, from Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire are certainly full of gratitude for the great teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt said: \u201cWillows were incredible and we would absolutely recommend them \u2013 and already have!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSimone successfully operated as soon as he was able and Holly has been outstanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obvious how passionate she is about the rehabilitation of animals and how much she genuinely cares about outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe spent months fearful Stanley might have to have his leg amputated but, thanks to Holly, that potential outcome has been averted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe took him back to Willows on a weekly basis for check-ups and to receive further advice and learn more exercises we could do at home to aid his recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know Stanley will always have a limp but he\u2019s regaining strength daily in his injured leg and his confidence has returned so the family is delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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